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VICIOUS GROOVE Main Entry: vi•cious Pronunciation: 'vi-shis : dangerously aggressive : SAVAGE (a vicious dog) b : marked by ferocity : FIERCE (a vicious fight) Main Entry: groove Pronunciation: 'grüv : a pronounced enjoyable rhythm

Webster dictionary couldn’t have said it better but I’ll try anyway. Another interpretation for VICIOUS GROOVE might just read, “the result of blending high-octane melodies, funk-filled rhythms, explosive bottom, hypnotic beats, and soul-searing vocals”. Based in Silicon Valley , CA , “Vicious Groove” is mostly a Funk/Blues/Jazz orientated dance band. However, it is easy to forget that you came to dance once you hear the grooves. You can be easily placed under a “Vicious Groove” trance and spend your whole evening watching the band to see how they do it!

PAM HAWKINS Possessed of a supple alto that is more 60s R&B than old -time blues, she can purr like a sex kitten one moment and kick sand in your face the next. "Pamela Hawkins exudes old-school R&B grace under fire pistons of old school ensemble grooves. It's a rare treat to see such a young sister reviving the hard-core rhythmn & blues of Etta James or Aretha Franklin"- San Jose Metro "When Hawkins fronts...She sounds like a local version of a younger Tina Turner...She rocks the house with her formitable chops."- San Jose Metro/Nicky Baxter

AB TAYLOR started playing folk guitar in high school. He was a big fan of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee. After hearing a recording of Jimi Hendrix playing "Are You Experienced", he knew that he just had to play the electric guitar. “I was blessed with some very talented schoolmates who made a lasting impression and helped me develop a respect for the craft and art of music” chimes AB. Thelonius Monk Jr. and Niles Weston were the “Big Men on Campus” during school. Later he would befriend Mike Stern. They would spend hours, cooped up in a small practice room in the basement of the school's theater, jamming. AB pursued music as a minor area of study in college. After graduation, AB moved to New York City. There, he met, played and spent time with Frank Zappa. “Most of my sense of professionalism and respect for the business, I learned from him”. AB taught guitar at the Haight Ashbury Music Center, and currently teaches guitar at B Street Music in San Mateo.

JAYO is a raw and explosive front man. His energy is what some may label "intense". Jayo has been entertaining thousands of fans since his decision to share his unique vocal and excellent showmanship gifts with us. Some of Jayo's ability to engage women into Vicious Groove's trance can be attributed to his days of working as a male exotic dancer. Jayo now combines this blend of seduction with fiery dance moves and soulful vocals. He is also interactive with his audiences thereby, creating a sense of audience participation. Jayo is the lead vocalist on most of the tracks included in the band's current disk: "Vicious Nation".

GIN (as in "gin n juice") is the youngest member of “Vicious Groove”. Playing since the ripe age of two, Gin discovered his passion of music through drums. As a rhyme technician and accomplished producer, Gin has several discs released underground to his credit. Gin has also performed with several local groups including Jon Gibson. Before Gin joined the band you could find him dragging his drums to different style jams perfecting his chops. Gin is like a family member to the band and his hunger for perfection makes him a perfect fit. His raw energy is like a powerful V-12 engine. From the first downbeat you can feel the dedication Gin maintains in keeping “Vicious Groove” vicious. If you could create a drum machine that has a personality (and a ponytail) Gin would be the perfect prototype. He is the groove in “Vicious Groove”.

TEBO is an incredible bassist with a technically distinctive playing method. Tebo's versatility sweeps through Blues, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Jazz, R&B and Rock; from studio to clubs and theater. Tebo has recorded and performed with artists such as Hammer, Herbie Hancock, Smashmouth, Albert Collins, Lakeside, Kung-Fu Vampire, The Drifters, John Lee Hooker, Jr., Deacon Jones, and The World Class Wrecking Cru. Aside from a lengthy list of adult collaborators, Tebo has also reached younger audiences. Since 1997, the musician periodically works in San Carlos for Creativity, Inc., a firm specializing in developing sound effects for electronic toys. An independent contract worker, Tebo has lent his vocals and music to new merchandise marketed by companies such as Fisher Price. The South Bay Music Awards also nominated Tebo as “2005 Entertainer of the Year”.

WILL ROC has been instrumental in the advancement of such acts as: The World Class Wrecking Cru, Michel’le, DOC, Rick James, Mannie Fresh (Cash Money Records), Bill Summers, Herbie Hancock, Hubert Laws, Faith No More, Will Kennedy (Yellowjackets), Boo-Yaa Tribe, Albert Collins, Kid Frost, Mellow Man Ace, DJ Battlecat, John Lee Hooker Jr.and DJ Quik. He’s also shared the stage with such acts as BB King, Roy Ayers, Bo Diddley, Deacon Jones, Lakeside and Dr. Dre to name a few. The styles that Will has been exposed to come together in a complex yet easy to listen to conglomeration of synths, horn patches, piano, and Hammond B3 organ. Will produced John Lee Hooker Jr’s disc entitled “Blues With A Vengeance”. It went on to earn several awards including a 2005 Grammy nomination (Best Traditonal Blues). Will also co-produced Herbie Hancock’s “Dis is da Drum” disc. The title track was nominated for a 1996 Grammy (Best Video). Touring with Herbie Hancock nationally and internationally as a keyboardist on the “Dis is da Drum” tour taught Will a lot about entertaining a crowd with the eighty-eights. Most notably, he learned not only do you have to play well, you have to play well and have fun while you are doing it. So play well he does and with his R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, and Blues background, it becomes so apparent in the band’s music why his role is so vital.